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BEMIDJI - The Bemidji Area Mountain Bikers will take to the trails at Lake Bemidji State Park for the 5th annual Northland Fat Bike Rally on Saturday, March 2.

The rally consists of 28k and 10k race courses, both featuring a mass start on Lake Bemidji, a scenic climb up the Rocky Point trail and a challenging pedal through the pines of Lake Bemidji State Park, 3401 State Park Road NE, a release said. There will also be a short course children's race shortly following the conclusion of the 28k race.

Registration opens at 9:30 a.m.; pre-race meeting at 10:15 a.m.; race starts at 11 a.m.; children's race (following the conclusion of the 28k race) at 1:30 p.m.; and wrapping things up with a BBQ Social, raffle and awards at CK Dudley's at 2 p.m., the release said.

Riders of any level are welcome. Experts will be available to answer questions about their bike setups. No rentals will be available at Lake Bemidji State Park; however, BSU has fat bikes to rent through their Outdoor Programming Center.

Spectators are encouraged to attend the event to cheer on the riders, take pictures and enjoy the park, the release said. The Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park will offer refreshments inside the Visitor Center. Riders are required to have 3.8" fat tires and wear a helmet. It's recommended that riders carry water and wear adequately warm clothing for the weather.

The Northland Fat Bike Rally is a free event put on by volunteers of Bemidji Area Mountain Bikers in partnership with Lake Bemidji State Park. A Minnesota State Parks vehicle pass ($7/ day or $35/year) is required to enter the park. There will be a free-will donation for the Trek North Middle and High ÍáÍáÂþ»­ Mountain Bike Teams.

For more information on The Northland Fat Bike Rally by visiting the event page on Facebook at Facebook.com/BemidjiMTB or by contacting the Lake Bemidji State Park office at (218) 308-2300 or email peter. harrison@state.mn.us .

Cross country ski lessons at BSU on Feb. 27

BEMIDJI-The City of Bemidji will be hosting Cross Country Ski Lessons from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the BSU Gillett Wellness Center, 1801 17th St NE.

Meet at the BSU wellness center to select equipment, then ski under the lights at City Park cross country ski trails. Learn the basic poling and striding skills and explore the trails with the instructor.

Cost per date it $15.30+ tax/ per person includes rentals, or $10.20 + tax/per person bringing their own skis. Pre-registration is required. Limited to 6 participants per date. Registration can be done online at or by stopping into City Hall or the Public Works Facility. If you have questions, please call 218-333-1859.

Skeeter Beater 5K/10K Snowshoe Race

BAGLEY-Farm by the Lake will be hosting the Skeeter Beater 5K/10K Snowshoe Race on Saturday, March 2 at Bagley City Park. Pre-registration is open now, or register at the race starting at 9 a.m. Categories for male & female, ages: 16 and under, 17 to 35, and 36 and up. Cost is $30 for adults, $25 for students, and $15 for kids under 16. Registration cost includes a t-shirt & chilli feed (with award presentation) at Fireside Grill and Patio after the race.

Register at: , email: farm(218) 694-2084.

Limited amount of snowshoes to rent, available at registration. This activity is sponsored by Clearwater Snowmobile Club, Bagley Rotary, Fireside Grill & Patio, Cool Threads, True North, Bemidji Sports Centre, KB 101 Radio, BSU Outdoor Programs, Nei Bottling, Bill's Base Camp, Choice Therapy, First National Bank, and Sanford Health.

Snowshoe in the Park in Bemidji

BEMIDJI-The Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will be holding a Snowshoe in the Park event from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, in North Country Park on 30th Street Northwest.

Snowshoe through North Country Park and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. Rentals will be available. Cost is $11.12 + tax/ per includes rentals, $5.56 + tax/ per without rentals.

Max of 12 participants, must pre-register. For questions, call (218) 333-1859. Registration can be done online by visiting or by stopping into City Hall or the Public Works Facility.

Chippewa Triathlon seeks online registrations

CASS LAKE-The 23rd Annual Chippewa Triathlon is now accepting early registrations online at chippewatriathlon.com. The event will be held at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at the MNDOT Rest Area, 105 U.S. Highway 2 in Cass Lake.

Cost is $55 through Saturday, March 16, a rising fee structure goes into effect after March 16. Registration forms will not be taken day of the event. Event is limited to 300 participants.

The event course includes canoeing, mountain biking and running. This triathlon can be completed solo or as a team. The Chippewa Triathlon is not solely a competitive event; organizers emphasize its value as an opportunity to improve one's fitness level through training prior to competing in this scenic 50-mile triathlon challenge through the Chippewa National Forest.

Registration forms are also available from Jack Gustafson at (218) 335-2689 or jrg37@paulbunyan.net . Visit for more information.